The excitement of Wednesday night college football is upon us, featuring two matchups as we approach the end of Conference USA action before shifting to MACtion in November. The games set for October 29 are the Jacksonville State Gamecocks against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, and the FIU Panthers going up against the Missouri State Bears.
John Feltman, a college football writer for Action Network, has analyzed both games and shared his predictions for bettors looking for an edge this week.
In the first matchup, Jacksonville State faces a challenging road game against Middle Tennessee. The Gamecocks, dealing with injury concerns, particularly at the quarterback position, are expected to struggle. Caden Creel, their starting QB, is questionable after suffering a UCL injury in his non-throwing arm, which could push Jacksonville State to rely more heavily on their run game, where they rank impressively seventh in the nation for expected points added per rush at 0.19. However, their opponents, Middle Tennessee, boast a robust defense that is among the top 35 in the same category, which could neutralize the Gamecocks’ ground attack.
With several players on Jacksonville State’s defense also uncertain for the game, including key linebackers Isaac Walker and Mac Sanders, the Blue Raiders may find opportunities to exploit these gaps to generate offensive drives. As such, Feltman suggests taking Middle Tennessee +6, as it seems like an inflated line for Jacksonville State, especially given their recent performances and challenges on the road.
In the nightcap, the Missouri State Bears take on the FIU Panthers, with Feltman favoring Missouri State -3.5. The Bears’ offensive strength lies in their efficiency and balance, particularly with quarterback Jacob Clark returning from injury and expected to lead a more effective unit. Missouri State has shown stability that FIU lacks, making them well-positioned to seize control of the game.
Defensively, Missouri State has quietly established itself as a reliable force, with a solid run defense and the ability to force opponents into long third-down situations. This defensive prowess should keep FIU, who has had its issues offensively, in check throughout the game. Given their current form and matchup advantages, Feltman believes Missouri State will be able to secure a win and cover the spread with a steady performance.
As college football fans gear up for an action-packed evening, these matchups promise to deliver excitement and opportunities for betting enthusiasts.